Run, Forrest, Run!
There are two times in my life when I hated my name. One was when Jenny Craig started making commercials (fifth grade, or around 1992-1993). Getting called Jenny Craig was funny the first time, but subsequent times just pissed me off. And were boys trying to tell me to lose weight? Good grief, I was 5 ft. 2 in. and 105 pounds. Cut me some slack, jerks.
Second time was only a few years later when Forrest Gump came out in 1994. “Run, Forrest, Run” in a horribly shoddy Georgia accent by pubescent boys is just enough to make me still want to throw up a little in my mouth.
If you recall the movie’s plot, Forrest wasn’t good at many things, but the boy sure could run.
I’m thinking of that line, because half-marathon/marathon training season is approaching! YAY! Kristine and I happily ran the Austin half-marathon last year and we’re going to train together this year! Even better, this year I’m armed with the Garmin Forerunner 405. Knowing my love for all things geek and tech, I’m super stoked.
Plus, if you haven’t figured it out, I’m trying to win a weight-loss contest 
Right now, I’m looking at running the Run the Rock Half-Marathon in Dallas (December 13), the Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon (December 6), the Austin 3M Half Marathon (January 24) and the Austin Half-Marathon (February 14).
I feel like I MUST run the Dallas Half this year (because it was the first one I ever ran), plus I really want to PR it. I think running two half’s a week apart from each other is also a little dumb, so I may have to axe the Vegas Half 
If you’re interested in running your first half marathon, I really recommend it. I definitely lost inches last year (but then started eating too much and gained weight… so be careful with that) and the sense of accomplishment you get from it is incredible. Last year, my best time was around a 2:42 and I’m looking to get that number down to a 2:20. I’m not a fast runner by any means, so I’m just happy to finish, but I’d like to finish a little quicker this go around!
If this is the very first half that you’re considering, a few pointers: join a running group like Rogue Running. I used them last year, and the advice, motivation and basic runner’s common sense I gained from that was incredibly valuable. The only reason I’m not using them again is I need to save some money this fall. If you can’t afford to run with a group, find a friend to run with at least. Ashley and I did it together last year, and there is some kind of odd bond between us now, which comes from wanting to die together at the 8, 10, 12 and 14 mile markers of long run days. Finally, try and read as much stuff as you can about running — I love Runner’s World and their August issue has both a half-marathon and full marathon running guide to check out.
And I swear to God, if any of you come cheer me on in Dallas, Austin or Vegas and I hear “Run, Jenni, Run” I will beat you up silly.
